What is MAH-MBA CET ?

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for MBA, or MAH-MBA CET, is the gateway to top B-schools in Maharashtra like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for this exam, making it highly competitive. 

 

Why Solving MAH-MBA CET Previous Year Papers is a Game-Changer

Solving previous year papers isn't just practice; it's a strategic move for MAH-MBA CET 2026. 

  • Firstly, it familiarises you with the exam's pulse - the types of questions, difficulty curve, and time pressure. Lakhs of aspirants swear by this method because it highlights repeating patterns. For example, blood relation puzzles or RC on economic reforms often recur with twists.
  • Secondly, it boosts accuracy and speed. With no negative marking, attempting all 200 questions is possible, but previous papers teach you to avoid silly errors. Analysis from Testfunda shows that top scorers solve 180+ correctly by timing sections: 50 mins for LR, 20 for AR, 40 for QA, 40 for VARC.
  • Thirdly, it identifies weaknesses. If quant DI trips you up in old papers, focus there. It also builds stamina for the 150-minute grind. For 2026 aspirants, starting with 2020-2025 papers covers recent trends like increased abstract visuals.
  • It reduces exam anxiety. Simulating real tests with previous papers makes the actual day feel routine. Aspirants who solve 10-15 full papers score 20-30 marks higher, per expert forums.

 

Previous year paper link as much possible 

 

How to use MAH MBA CET  Previous Year Papers Effectively

To make the most of MAH-MBA CET previous year papers, follow a structured approach. Start by downloading from reliable sources like Testfunda, which offers PDFs with solutions for 2026 prep.

  • Step 1: Take a diagnostic test using a 2025 paper under timed conditions. Score it honestly to baseline your level.
  • Step 2: Analyse deeply – categorise errors (conceptual, silly, time-related). For LR, note puzzle types; for QA, revise formulas.
  • Step 3: Solve section-wise. Dedicate days to one section, using 5-6 years' questions. Track improvement in speed.
  • Step 4: Integrate mocks. After 4-5 papers, take full mocks weekly. Testfunda's interface simulates the interface.
  • Step 5: Revise weak areas with targeted practice. If VARC RCs are slow, read editorials daily.
  • Step 6: Group study – discuss solutions with peers for new perspectives.
  • Step 7: In the last month, solve slot-wise papers to handle variations.

This method can boost scores by 40-50 marks. Remember, consistency is key for 2026 success.

 

MAH-MBA CET Exam Pattern for 2026

Understanding the exam pattern is the first step for any aspirant eyeing MAH-MBA CET 2026. The test is conducted online by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell, and it's all about multiple-choice questions (MCQs). As per the latest updates, the pattern remains steady with 200 questions divided into four sections: Logical Reasoning (75 questions), Abstract Reasoning (25 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (50 questions), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (50 questions). Each question carries one mark, totalling 200 marks, and there's no negative marking – a big relief for risk-takers!

Also read : MAH MBA CET 2026: Exam Date, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation, Papers, Cut Offs

  • Duration:  is 150 minutes, which means you have less than a minute per question on average. This speed element makes MAH-MBA CET unique compared to exams like CAT or SNAP. For 2026, experts predict a slight increase in difficulty, especially in logical and abstract reasoning, based on trends from 2025. The exam is usually held in multiple slots over a weekend, so previous year papers help you get used to variations in question sets.
  • Non-sectional time limit:  you can switch between sections freely. This flexibility allows smart aspirants to maximise scores by prioritising stronger areas first. From previous papers, we see that questions are jumbled, not grouped by section, adding to the challenge. Testfunda's MAH-MBA CET previous year papers replicate this format, complete with timers and analytics to track your performance.
  • Marking scheme:  it's straightforward: +1 for correct answers, zero for wrong or unattempted. To score above 99 percentile, aim for 150+ marks, which means solving at least 160-170 questions accurately. Previous year analyses show that logical reasoning often has puzzle-heavy sets, while quant focuses on arithmetic. For 2026 aspirants, practising with Testfunda's papers will help you adapt to these nuances.
  • Recent changes:  In 2025, the exam was held twice a year for the first time, but the core pattern stayed the same. No major overhauls are expected for 2026, but keep an eye on official notifications. Overall, the pattern tests your aptitude holistically, making previous papers indispensable for pattern recognition.

 

MAH-MBA CET Syllabus and Section-Wise Analysis

The MAH-MBA CET syllabus is vast but manageable if broken down section-wise. Let's explore each part, drawing insights from previous year papers to guide 2026 preparation.

Also Read: MAH MBA CET 2026 Syllabus: Sectionwise Analysis, Weightage, and Preparation Strategy

  • Logical Reasoning (LR):  this section is the heavyweight with 75 questions. It covers puzzles, seating arrangements, blood relations, coding-decoding, syllogisms, and data sufficiency. From past papers, we notice that arrangement puzzles (linear, circular, matrix) appear frequently, often in sets of 5-7 questions. For instance, in 2024 slots, there were complex family tree puzzles testing logical deductions. Topic-wise weightage: Puzzles (30-40%), Syllogisms & Venn Diagrams (15-20%), Series & Analogies (10-15%). Difficulty is moderate to high, with time-consuming sets. Tips: Practise from Testfunda's MAH-MBA CET previous year papers to master shortcuts like elimination methods.

 

  • Visual Reasoning or Abstract Reasoning:  (AR) with 25 questions focuses on visual and non-verbal logic.

Topics include series completion, analogies, odd one out, and pattern recognition using shapes, figures, and rotations. Previous papers show a rise in mirror image and embedded figure questions. Weightage: Series (40%), Analogies (30%), Classification (20%). This section is tricky for verbal-dominant aspirants but scores high with practice. In 2025, AR was easier than LR, but 2026 might see more abstract patterns. Use diagrams from old papers to build visual acuity.

Also Read: Visual Reasoning Questions For MAH MBA CET

 

  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 50 questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation (DI), and modern math like permutations. Arithmetic dominates (40-50%) with topics like percentages, ratios, time-speed-distance, and profit-loss. DI sets (graphs, tables) are common, often 10-15 questions. From previous year trends, algebra (equations, inequalities) and geometry (mensuration, coordinates) take 20-30%. No advanced calculus, but speed is crucial. Testfunda papers include solved DI sets, helping you spot calculation tricks like approximations.

 

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):  rounds it off with 50 questions. RC passages (3-5, 300-500 words each) cover 20-25 questions on inference, main idea, and vocabulary. Grammar (sentence correction, error spotting), vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms), and para jumbles make up the rest. Past papers reveal business, economy, and social issues in RCs. Weightage: RC (50%), Grammar & Vocab (30%), Jumbles & Cloze (20%). Reading speed matters; aim for 200-250 wpm. Previous slots had tricky inference questions, so practise active reading.

Overall syllabus hasn't changed much in three years, but emphasis shifts – like more DI in QA post-2023. For 2026, integrate section-wise mocks from Testfunda to balance preparation.

 

MAH-MBA CET Exam Pattern Over the Years

The MAH-MBA CET has evolved subtly, keeping its core intact. Back in 2018-2020, it was pen-paper based, but shifted online in 2021 due to the pandemic, introducing slot variations. Question count stayed 200, but 2022 saw more emphasis on abstract reasoning with complex figures.

In 2023, no major changes, but difficulty spiked in LR puzzles. 2024 brought balanced sections, with QA having more DI tables. The big shift in 2025 was conducting the exam twice yearly, allowing retakes, but pattern remained: 75 LR, 25 AR, 50 QA, 50 VARC.

For 2026, expect continuity with possible hikes in AR trickiness. No sectional cut-offs ever, but overall percentiles matter. Previous papers from Testfunda capture these shifts, helping aspirants adapt.

 

Tips from Toppers for Cracking MAH-MBA CET

Toppers like those scoring 99.99 percentile emphasise speed drills. 

  • One tip: Prioritise easy questions first - scan and solve quick wins in QA and VARC.
  • Another: Use elimination in AR; visuals often have obvious mismatches. For LR, draw diagrams on rough paper.
  • Revise basics daily – formulas, vocab lists. Take breaks to avoid burnout.
  • Mock analysis is non-negotiable; note time per question type.

Stay updated via official sites, but rely on previous papers for practice.

 

Exclusive Offer on MAH MBA CET Test Series: Click here

 

FAQs

Is solving previous papers alone enough to crack the exam?  

Well, while they're essential, combine them with concept building and mocks for best results.

 

How many years' papers to solve? 

Ideally, cover the last 2-3 years to catch recent trends, as older ones might not reflect current difficulty.

 

What is the best time to start practising previous years  papers?

Begin after covering 50-60% syllabus, around 3-4 months before the exam, to allow for analysis.

 

Is there a difference between slot-wise papers? 

Yes, difficulty varies slightly, so practise multiple slots for balanced prep.

 

What if I score low in initial attempts?

Don't worry; use it to identify gaps and improve gradually.

 

How do previous papers help with time management? 

By simulating the 150-minute limit, they train you to allocate time wisely across sections.